Earthquake Today: Colombia faced a tragic and chaotic Sunday, June 8, 2025, as a powerful earthquake struck its capital Bogotá just hours after a violent attack on a presidential candidate. The day’s events have left the nation reeling.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit near Bogotá at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The tremor struck at approximately 9:08 a.m. local time and was felt across central Colombia. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) also confirmed the quake, which occurred about 170 kilometers from the capital.
The impact was immediate. Buildings swayed, sirens blared, and panicked residents poured into the streets. Videos shared on social media showed lights swinging and furniture shaking violently. “This was very strong,” said an elderly Bogotá resident. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural collapse.
Central Colombia is known for its seismic activity. In 1999, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake near Ansermanuevo killed nearly 1,200 people, making Sunday’s tremor a grim reminder of the region’s vulnerability.
The earthquake came just hours after another major national shock—the attempted assassination of presidential candidate and senator Miguel Uribe Turbay. During a campaign event in Bogotá, the 39-year-old politician was shot in the back by an armed individual. Disturbing video footage showed Uribe with blood on his head and back as he was rushed to a medical center.
While authorities have not yet released an official update on his condition, one suspect has been arrested. Uribe’s party condemned the attack, calling it an assault on democracy.
President Gustavo Petro responded with a heartfelt message, stating, “I don’t know how to ease your pain. It is the pain of a mother lost, and of a wounded homeland.” Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia also expressed her outrage, saying, “Violence can never be the way forward. I sincerely hope he is safe and out of danger.”
Sunday’s events have cast a shadow over the nation, combining natural disaster with political unrest and leaving Colombians shaken—both literally and figuratively.